UK biometric enrolment centre to re-open in Christchurch, New Zealand on 5 March 2012

UK immigration has announced that the new biometric enrolment centre in Christchurch, New Zealand will re-open on 5 March 2012. Following a severe earthquake in Christchurch, the UK Border Agency had to close the centre in February 2011.

Currently visa applicants have to visit the UK's monthly mobile biometric enrolment unit in Christchurch until the new office is fully operational. The British High Commission is also collecting biometric data from UK visa applicants. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) acts as a collection agent for biometric data on behalf of the British High Commission and UK Border Agency in New Zealand. The biometric data is recorded using the British Government's own enrolment systems.

The new office in Christchurch will be open for biometric enrolment appointments on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays between 13:00 to 15:00. All UK visa applicants are now required to provide finger scans and a full-face digital Photograph as part of the application process.

UK visa applicants will be able to start making appointments beginning 2 March. Please note: If you wish to enrol your biometric information in Christchurch, you will not be able to complete your online application until 2 March.

If you would like to apply for a UK visa WorkPermit.com can help. WorkPermit.com is a specialist visa consultancy with over twenty years of experience dealing with visa applications. We can help with a wide range of visa applications to your country of choice. Please feel free to contact us for further details.

UK Immigration is aiming to double the number of immigrants who will need to have a biometric residence permit (BRP) to remain in the UK. This will raise the number of individuals required to have a...